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InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested

InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested

For 2011, BMW announced an almost across-the-board replacement of the fan-favorite N54 twin-turbo inline-6 with the single, twin-scroll turbocharged N55 motor. And while the standard-issue 335 joins the ranks of N55 converts, the hi-po 2011 BMW 335is retains the twin-turbo motor, but bumps turbo boost from 8.7 to 11.6 psi. It also has an intercooled and overboost function that lets the twin-turbos spool up 14.5 psi for as long as 7 seconds, raising the torque from 332 pound-feet at 1,500 rpm to 370.

But this power comes at a price: This test unit rings up at $57,450 — nearly $1,000 less than a 2011 BMW M3 coupe, and $2,500 more than an M3 sedan. So, is it worth it?

Odometer: 2,612
Date: 10/26/2010
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $57,450

Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Engine Type: Inline-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,979/181.8
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 320 @ 5,900 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 332 @ 1,500 rpm ( 370 with overboost function)
Brake Type (front): 13.7-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Brake Type (rear): 13.3-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Suspension Type (front): MacPherson strut, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink, coil springs, stabiizer bar

Continue reading InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested

BMW M3 Coupe

bmw m3 coupe

The beauty of dynamics.

The exterior of the new BMW M3 Coupé.

With a vehicle as powerful and dynamic as this, styling is never an aim in itself. Form will always be driven by functional considerations. The expressive front is designed to accommodate the V8 high-rev engine. The muscular rear allows for the wider track and four tailpipes. Even the shape of the exterior mirrors adds to the overall aerodynamics. Only the interplay of all these measures ensures the desired effect: sports car performance that is ideally suited to everyday driving

Designed with drivers in mind.

The interior of the new BMW M3 Coupé.

Driving pleasure starts in the driving seat. This is why the interior of the BMW M3 Coupé has been designed with the person sitting behind the M steering wheel in mind. The trademark dual M circular dials, the M design iDriveController, the ergonomically optimised M seat with memory function, the innovative carbon structure leather trim. All these features combine to create an ambience that is designed to make drivers feel good – and inspired to take control.

Wind power.

The aerodynamics of the new BMW M3 Coupé.

The optimised aerodynamics in the BMW M3 Coupé ensures that downforce is both cooled and increased at the same time. The left opening near the powerdome channels additional air to the intake air plenum. The M rear apron with diffuser ensures controlled airflow along the car’s underbody. And the M front air dam with integrated air inlets cools the engine. The result? Added downforce for added thrills. Continue reading BMW M3 Coupe

BMW 335i Twin Turbo Test Drive

BMW 335i Twin Turbo Test Drive

The 2008 3 Series Sedan is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 328i to the 335xi. The 335i has a 6 Speed Manual transmission, 3.0-liter I6, 300-horsepower engine, and the first inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers, high precision fuel injection and an all-aluminum crankcase was introduced in the 335i, producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Continue reading BMW 335i Twin Turbo Test Drive

2007 BMW 335 Xi

2007 BMW 335 Xi

The BMW 335i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It’s the car that defines ‘sport sedan,’ and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 335i is available in coupe, sedan and convertible bodies, while the all-wheel drive 335i xDrive is available in coupe and sedan only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter, twin turbo, inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variations, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel ABS disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, traction and stability control, as well as pop-up roll-over protection on the convertible.

For 2009, the sedan gets an interior/exterior styling refresh. Continue reading 2007 BMW 335 Xi

BMW M3 GTS

bmw m3 gts

There are some great dreams. But they’re just dreams – so you think. You’ve dreamt them so many times before. You wake up and say goodbye to them almost as if nothing had happened.

BMW M enthusiasts all over the world have a dream like this: a BMW M, consistently optimised for the race track. Pure M genes. A brilliant partner at the physical limits – away from public roads. Fast and honest. But registered for the best public roads, too. It’s not where you go, but how you get there. Whether a demanding run on the race track or a pleasurable cruise along country roads and motorways.

And companies can dream, too. Sometimes they even have the same dreams as their customers and fans. In our particular case, this is hardly surprising as there’s something which connects the two: pure M genes.

Then something amazing happens. You wake up and the dream doesn’t go away. It’s standing there right in front of you.

The BMW M3 GTS. Pure M genes. Continue reading BMW M3 GTS